Building the foundations

At Universal Gear, a dynamic men’s retailer with locations across major U.S. cities, I found my first opportunity to merge creativity with business strategy. Tasked with everything from designing catalogs to running multi-channel marketing campaigns, I learned how to translate a brand’s personality into visuals that connected with customers. Whether leading event promotions or mentoring a team of designers, I discovered the importance of collaboration and adaptability in a fast-paced retail environment.

But what really stuck with me was the joy of seeing an idea come to life. A new catalog didn’t just showcase products; it invited people into the brand’s world. That’s when I knew I wanted to go deeper—not just creating designs, but crafting experiences.

Elevating
Voices

My next step took me to Brown Naff Pitts Omnimedia (BNPO), where I became Creative Director for a portfolio of publications, including the iconic Washington Blade. Leading design and branding for a company at the heart of LGBTQ+ media was both a challenge and a privilege.

This wasn’t just about layouts or logos; it was about creating visuals that resonated with diverse audiences and told their stories authentically. I directed everything from publication designs to event marketing campaigns, ensuring each piece amplified the voices of the community we served.

Managing a cross-functional team taught me the art of balancing creative vision with practical execution. Every project had to deliver not just beauty, but results. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, client pitches, and countless late nights perfecting layouts, I honed my ability to lead with both creativity and strategy.

designing global impact

At the Urban Land Institute (ULI), I embraced a new challenge: working with the world’s largest network of real estate and land use experts to create designs that supported their mission on a global scale.

I led branding efforts for major events, crafting cohesive visual experiences that united attendees from around the world. I designed publications and digital assets that communicated complex research in ways that were engaging and accessible. And I pushed myself to master new platforms, creating social media graphics that extended ULI’s reach far beyond its core audience.

This role wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about influence. My designs helped position ULI as a leader in its field, supporting its efforts to shape cities and communities for the better.